Legal issues with dogs

Question

I hope someone will give me some advice, please! I have a 10 old bloodhound that was working with me in a facility with disabled adults. All was great until a new staff started Monday. On Wednesday he "claims" the dog bit him, and my HR staff say there are puncture marks. I sent the dog to stay with the co-owner, (I am in KS he is in MO). We have current rabbies vacs, but animal control tells me if I don't product the dog by noon tomorrow, I am in big trouble. The co owner says no, and has left heading quit a distance away. The animal control officer says it's my job to chase him down, and take the dog back...or else. Please offer suggestions? My dog is kind, gentle, and was a great asset to many people. I am at my wits end on what to do?

Answer 1

I know this is a common phrase and not the words you are seeking but if Animal control persists with the issue you really should consult a lawyer

If they persist, on the one hand since you are the co-owner of the dog, they can hold you liable some what to produce the dog, if they have the power, but then if the other co-owner took the dog out of state, before knowledge of animal control seeking to examine the dog, then not sure of your liability to go and get the dog cross state lines if the other is also legally co-owner,

Answer 2

Animal control has the right to demand that you bring the dog in. If you do not bring the dog in they have the legal right to collect the dog. If the dog is not at home or in your possession they cannot arrest you. They would have to prove the dog bit the staff member before they can demand anything further. You have the rabies certs. They can threaten you and if you feel intimidated get a lawyer.

Answer 3

If he has his rabies vacs, and he has never bit anyone before, don't they just want to confine the dog for a few days to observe for rabies, then they will give him back?  Ask then, what they will do with him.If that is it, then let them keep him for those days. If they want to destroy him, you can say you do not know the whereabouts of the dog--and tell your friend not to contact you about him anymore, nor to tell you where he is--then you are telling the truth until this matter is over--tell your friend to change his cell phone number too, and not tell you what it is, so you can also say you don't know the phone number.  There you go. After this is all dropped then you can get back in touch with the co-owner.  Or else just send a letter to your co-owner or call him and say he is now the full owner until further notice--then you no longer have any liability?  I don't have any other suggestions and I am no lawyer, but these are ideas.

Answer 4

Which dog is that?  Is that the one that ran away and you haven't seen since the episode?  Your animal control sounds a lot a junior gestapo.  Here in Florida hundreds of rabid dogs could be running loose in a day care center and animal control won't show.